The Thinklete Podcast

The Thinklete Podcast explores athlete mindset, performance, and the unique edge of neurodivergent thinking. Hosted by Derek Shunk, each episode shares practical strategies for building confidence, handling pressure, and helping athletes thrive on and off the field. For parents and coaches who are raising and/or coaching a neurodivergent or ADHD child, who need support, guidance or strategies to try with your athlete, you are in the right place.

The Thinklete Podcast is a kids podcast hosted by Derek Shunk, with 18 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Derek Shunk hosts The Thinklete Podcast, a kids show with 18 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #17

  Are We Ruining Youth Sports? Raising Confident ADHD Athletes

  Aug 2, 202655 minS1

  Are today's parents helping—or unintentionally hurting—their young athletes? In this powerful episode of the Thinklete Podcast , Derek and Aleka sit down with Kirsten Jones —former Nike executive, Division I Hall of Fame athlete, bestselling author of Raising Empowered Athletes , and one of the leading voices in youth sports parenting. Together they unpack why youth sports have become more stressful than ever, how parents can stop chasing outcomes, and what actually builds confidence in athletes—especially those with ADHD and other neurodivergent brains. In this conversation, you'll learn: Why parents should be potters, not promoters How to build lasting confidence instead of chasing trophies The biggest mistakes parents make on the sidelines Why body language matters more than talent How to help ADHD athletes handle criticism and coaching The "3 Fs" every young athlete needs: Friends, Fun, and Fundamentals Why college coaches care more about character than statistics How to make the car ride home after games a positive experience Why listening is one of the greatest parenting skills in sports Whether you're raising an elite athlete or simply want your child to love sports for life, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can use immediately. Connect with Kirsten Jones: KirstenJonesInc.com If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the Thinklete Podcast , leave a review, and share it with another parent or coach who wants to help young athletes build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of sports.

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  Episode #16

  How One Family's ADHD Journey Is Changing Thousands of Lives

  Jul 20, 20261h 1mS1

  After losing their son Anthony at just 18 years old, Tony and Cassi made a promise that no family should have to navigate the challenges of ADHD alone. That promise became Anthony's Road to Kindness —a nonprofit dedicated to helping families find hope, guidance, and the right support system for neurodivergent children. In this powerful conversation, we discuss Anthony's journey from his early ADHD diagnosis and struggles with bullying, learning differences, and self-esteem to the lasting impact he continues to have on thousands of families today. Tony and Cassi share how they built a unique roadmap that connects families with ADHD coaches, psychologists, tutors, education advocates, nutritionists, therapists, and other specialists so parents no longer have to navigate the journey alone. We also dive into the role parents and coaches play in shaping confidence, why traditional discipline often fails with ADHD athletes, the importance of finding each child's strengths, overcoming negative self-talk, and why having an entire team speaking the same language can completely change a child's future. Whether you're raising a neurodivergent child, coaching young athletes, or simply want to better understand ADHD, this episode is filled with practical advice, hope, and a powerful reminder that every child deserves people who believe in them.

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  Episode #15

  Breaking The ADHD Stigma in Sports

  Jun 28, 202644 minS1

  Why do so many ADHD athletes get labeled as "too emotional," "not paying attention," or "badly behaved" when the reality is something completely different? In this episode of The Thinklete Podcast , Derek and Aleka are joined by Thinklete mentor Janie Kokakis —former Division I track athlete, speech-language pathologist, and ADHD parent—to have an honest conversation about the stigma surrounding ADHD athletes. Together, they discuss: Why emotional outbursts aren't a sign of weakness or bad parenting The hidden strengths of ADHD athletes and why they often care the most How executive functioning impacts sports performance Why visualization should include mistakes—not just success The importance of accountability, emotional regulation, and resilience How parents and coaches can better support neurodivergent athletes without taking away their love of the game Whether you're a parent, coach, or athlete, this episode will challenge common misconceptions and give you practical insights into helping ADHD athletes build confidence, manage pressure, and thrive both on and off the field. If you've ever felt judged because your child struggles emotionally during competition, this conversation is for you. For more information about our mentorship program, please visit Thinklete.com

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  Episode #14

  What ADHD Athletes Actually Need Nutritionally

  May 16, 202656 minS1

  <p>Our guest this episode is Amy Pieczarka, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with over 40 years of experience specializing in functional nutrition, gut health, food sensitivities, and personalized nutrition strategies. She is the creator and director of PrevyMedica Nutrition Services, where she helps individuals and families improve focus, regulation, health, and performance through nutrition.Most parents are trying to coach behavior… without realizing what may actually be driving it.In this episode, Derek and Aleka sit down with registered dietitian nutritionist Amy Pizarca to break down the connection between nutrition, emotional regulation, focus, and performance in neurodivergent athletes.They discuss:-W...

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  Episode #14

  What ADHD Athletes Actually Need Nutritionally

  May 15, 202656 minS1

  <p>Our guest this episode is Amy Pizarca, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with over 40 years of experience specializing in functional nutrition, gut health, food sensitivities, and personalized nutrition strategies. She is the creator and director of PrevyMedica Nutrition Services, where she helps individuals and families improve focus, regulation, health, and performance through nutrition.Most parents are trying to coach behavior… without realizing what may actually be driving it.In this episode, Derek and Aleka sit down with registered dietitian nutritionist Amy Pizarca to break down the connection between nutrition, emotional regulation, focus, and performance in neurodivergent athletes.They discuss:-W...

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